On Friday, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats made a significant announcement regarding the retention of two key offensive linemen, namely Brandon Kemp and Jakub Szott. Both players have committed to the team, with Szott signing a two-year deal.
Brandon Kemp, aged 26, demonstrated his prowess in 10 games for the Tiger-Cats during the 2023 season, contributing 10 starts as part of the offensive line.
Standing at an imposing 6’7″ and weighing 310 pounds, the Atlanta, Georgia native received recognition with a CFL Honour Roll nomination in week 12 for his exceptional performance at left tackle against the BC Lions. Over his two seasons in Hamilton (2022-23), Kemp has been a consistent presence, participating in 11 games, including 11 starts.
Before joining the CFL, he had notable stints in the National Football League with the Indianapolis Colts in 2022 and the Tennessee Titans from 2020 to 2022, having initially signed with the Titans as an undrafted free agent.
Kemp’s collegiate career at Valdosta State University, where he played 43 games over five seasons, culminated in a historic achievement—leading the school to its first undefeated season and fourth NCAA Division II national championship in 2018.
Jakub Szott, aged 25, contributed to the Tiger-Cats in seven games during the previous season, earning one start. The Toronto, Ontario native, standing at 6’4″ and weighing 299 pounds, also had stints with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2022.
His earlier CFL experience includes 14 games, with 13 starts for the Ottawa Redblacks from 2021 to 2022, and a brief tenure with the Montreal Alouettes in 2022.
A product of McMaster University, Szott was drafted by the Redblacks in the fourth round, 29th overall, in the 2020 CFL Draft.
During his collegiate career at McMaster, he played 37 games over four seasons (2016-19) and received recognition as Second-Team All-OUA in 2019.
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